The small, busy, market town of Krabi is the administrative capital of the Krabi Province which is an area of outstanding natural beauty and is located on the shores of the Andaman Sea in Southern Thailand. The town provides access to all areas of the Krabi Province that is known for its magnificent limestone mountains which are covered in evergreen forests, picturesque islands, outstanding beaches and some of the best dive sites in the world. Krabi is located approximately 9 to 10 hours drive from Bangkok, although easier and quicker access is available by plane which services a local airport that lies just 10 kilometres from town. Krabi is a popular tourist hub although surprisingly few tourists spend much time in this charming riverside town, whose hilly streets feature a number of cozy bars and cafes, street-side vendors and several markets. Food and fun can be enjoyed at the local markets which include the early morning covered market, which is recognised as the biggest in Southern Thailand, another is located in the centre of town on Maharat Street, and the delightful night market that is held close to the promenade next to the piers. Krabi has no beaches of its own but is well connected to the nearby, popular tourist centres of Ao Nang and Klong Muang which offer unspoilt beaches, good diving and warm clear waters.
Krabi is a pleasant town with good facilities and runs along the west bank of the Krabi River which is joined by the waters of the Yuan River and the Chi Lat, before entering the Straits of Malacca and the Andaman Sea. The town is an important port for both local fisherman and visitors as it provides easy access by ferry to several nearby attractions which include the Phi Phi Islands, and the islands of Ko Lanta Yai and Ko Lanta Noi. Krabi is located close to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country and many off-shore islands which are world renowned for their sparkling white sands, crystal clear waters and pristine coral reefs. It also provides easy access to the magnificent limestone features of Phang Nga Bay which offers excellent sightseeing, and the coastal locations of Ton Sai Beach and Railay Beach which offer premier rock climbing opportunities. For bird-watchers the Ramsar Wetland area of the Krabi estuary is a popular location and home to several rare bird species, while the Phang Nga Bay Marine Park was recently declared a protected area of international ecological significance and known to be home to 88 species of bird, 80 fish species, 18 reptile species, 3 amphibian and 17 mammal species.
As a transport hub Krabi also provides access to the stunning Ko Lanta National Park which is located on the larger island of Ko Lanta Yai, and is known for its pristine beaches and unsurpassed diving sites – and for more land-based activities, the Khao Phanom Bencha National Park is located just 20 kilometres north of Krabi and offers hiking through magnificent scenery, amazing limestone caves, cascading streams and cool waterfalls.
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